Check the sell-by date before use and make a note of the date of purchase (essential oils oxidise rapidly when exposed to oxygen in the atmosphere, therefore, they have a limited shelf life): 2 years if unopened; 1 year once opened (citrus oils, such as mandarin or lemon, 6 months once opened).

Discard small amounts of essential oil left in a bottle or container, unless rapidly used up from the moment of first opening the bottle.

Replace lids immediately after use (to slow down oxidisation).

Never ‘top-up’ a bottle of essential oil with more essential oil once opened for use.

Store in a cool dark place, away from sources of heat and direct sunlight (preferably a fridge – some oils, such as rose Otto, however, will solidify when very cold, but will return to a liquid state at room temperature).

Do not apply essential oils neat on the skin (always dilute in a vegetable oil, non-perfumed lotion or cream, for example, 1 or 2 drops of essential oil to 5ml of vegetable oil). Undiluted dermal application of essential oils can lead to irritation and sensitisation. Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils are the exception to this rule (often used as a first aid remedy for insect stings, minor burns or skin abrasions, or mild skin infections), but repeated long term topical application of these oils is not advisable due to the risk of sensitisation.

Only use essential oils on infants aged between 3 months and 24-36 months in extreme moderation (1 drop of essential oil in 20ml of carrier medium – vegetable oil, non-perfumed cream or lotion). DO NOT use herbaceous, spice or citrus oils (with the exception of mandarin). The vital organs of babies are still developing; essential oils are highly concentrated. Essential oils are best diffused into the environment to soothe restlessness, and to aid sleep. Do not put drops of essential oils directly onto pillows due to the risk of eye contact. NEVER apply undiluted essential oils to a child, infants or babies skin and NEVER add undiluted essential oils to their bath. NEVER use essential oils for internal consumption.

Do not swallow or take essential oils internally (see Accidents and Reactions below).

To avoid sensitisation, do not use the same essential oil or blend of essential oils repeatedly; take breaks from use (every two or three weeks), and vary the essential oils you use if applying them over a long period. Also, use limited quantities (no more than 6 drops per day). Essential oils are highly concentrated; very small amounts are very effective.

Always ensure that the essential oil(s) you select are compatible with your requirement and are otherwise not contra-indicated; especially significant if you are taking prescribed mediation, such as painkillers (e.g. codeine or other opiate derivatives) or blood thinning medication, and so on.

Accidents and reactions

Accidental ingestion: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Drink full fat milk. Seek medical advice immediately. Keep the bottle the essential oil was stored in for identification (the label should display the Latin name, batch no., sell-by date etc., the bottle will have traces of the oil).

Skin reaction: Apply vegetable oil to dilute the essential oil on the skin, then thoroughly wash the area with non-perfumed soap (liquid soap if possible) and rinse with warm water to remove any trace of soap and the essential oil. Dry the area thoroughly and apply a non-perfumed base cream (vegetable oil or even butter if nothing else is available) to soothe irritation if appropriate.